The Lew Lab builds advanced imaging systems to study biological and chemical systems at the nanoscale. Our technology leverages innovations in applied optics, signal and image processing, design optimization, and physical chemistry. Super-resolution is a key feature of many of our imaging systems–the ability to overcome the resolution limit of wave physics, called the diffraction limit, in order to visualize the nanoscale world. Single-molecule imaging is also a central theme of our research–enabling our technology to see individual molecules as they drive biological and chemical dynamics at the nanoscale.

Our research spans three areas: 1) Sensing nanoscale environments using single fluorescent molecules; 2) Designing microscopes for optimal multidimensional nanoscale imaging; and 3) Building multidimensional image analysis algorithms that are robust against bias and noise.

• Lab Website

In addition to my regular teaching commitments on the Danforth campus, I am the Associate Chair of Academic Affairs in the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering. I have received the 2020 Emerson Electric. Co. “Excellence in Teaching” award (https://source.wustl.edu/2020/11/seven-faculty-honored-with-2020-emerson-teaching-awards/) and the 2019-2020 Outstanding Teaching Award (https://lewlab.wustl.edu/files/McKelvey_Honors_Program_2020.pdf) from the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering. I also serve as the faculty advisor for Washington University Spectra (https://sites.wustl.edu/spectra/home/), a student chapter of Optica and SPIE. 

As part of the #MentorFirst (https://mentorfirst.org/) pledge, I am committed to fostering a supportive research environment that prioritizes members’ well-being and professional development.